Senate Panel Approves Product Liability Curbs

WASHINGTON — A Senate committee, tackling the nation's skyrocketing product liability costs, on Thursday narrowly approved sweeping legislation addressing the issue that includes a highly controversial cap of $250,000 for damages for pain and suffering.

The measure, which would affect product liability lawsuits nationwide, includes a provision that would apply to non-economic losses such as pain and suffering awards. The committee bill would not apply to economic losses and punitive damages.

The close 10 to 7 vote in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee underscores the controversy surrounding this issue.

The House has taken no action on pending parallel legislation. And, with about 40 days left in this congressional session, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that final passage of product liability legislation will occur this year.